CLACKS motorists are being warned of possible disruption on the roads around Menstrie, as gas improvement works are carried out over the next three months.

SGN has started work to upgrade its network in the village, as part of a wider £230,000 project.

It kicked off today (Monday, January 8) with an expected duration of around 12 weeks, and involves the replacement of old, metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply.

According to the company, it has split the project into phrases to minimise disruption for residents and motorists and will work in more than one area at a time to reach completion as soon as possible.

A spokesperson said: "We understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks. However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. 

"This means that when the work is complete, Menstrie residents will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come. 

"We always aim to minimise disruption and we will make every effort to ensure our works are completed as soon as possible."

Phase one will last around eight weeks with work to begin in Forthvale today, at its junction with Elmbank. 

Three-way temporary traffic lights will be in place for roughly three weeks to ensure everyone’s safety. 

Work is then scheduled progress northbound up the street, which will see temporary traffic lights in place around the work area. 

When SGN reaches the junction with the A91 Main Street, three-way temporary lights will be in place.

Moving onto phase two, lasting approximately three weeks, work will be carried out in Middleton near its junction with Lipney. 

Temporary traffic lights will also be in place and the phase will be carried out at the same time as phase one.

Next up in phase three, lasting four weeks, engineers will work to upgrade the gas service pipes in Forthvale. 

This is due to take place once phase one is complete and it is possible the company will need to implement three-way temporary traffic lights at the junction with the A91 Main Street.

There will also be a welfare unit for engineers and an area to store materials in a section of Myreton. 

To ensure everyone’s safety SGN said it may have to close a section of the road but a signed diversion route will be in place for motorists and local access will be maintained. 

Work also needs to be carried out in a number of streets: Craighorn, The Cloves, Myrteton, Inchna, Colsnaur, Lipney and Losshill.

For more, visit www.sgn.co.uk/Roadworks/Scotland-projects/Stirling-Menstrie-area/

Specific enquiries can be directed to the customer service team on 0800 912 1700.